Assessing Factors Influencing Employee Satisfaction In The Airline Industry: A Comparative Study Of India And Qatar Scheduled Airlines

Abstract

This study examines employee satisfaction in the airline industry through a comparative analysis between India and Qatar. Despite the aviation sector's dynamic growth-with India emerging as the world's third-largest market and Qatar Airways recording 10.4% capacity growth in 2024-research comparing employee satisfaction factors across these distinct markets remains limited. The study addresses this gap by investigating how organizational culture, leadership styles, and compensation structures influence satisfaction in these regions. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), data from 500 airline employees (250 from each country) was analyzed to test relationships between Employee Engagement (EE), Work Environment (WE), Compensation and Benefits (CB), Stress Management (SM), Work-Life Balance (WLB), and Job Satisfaction (JS). Results confirm all hypothesized relationships, with the strongest effect between WE and EE. Multi-group analysis reveals cultural nuances: Qatar Airways employees report higher compensation satisfaction (80% vs. 65% at Air India), while Indian carriers score better on work-life balance (3.9 vs. 3.7). The findings suggest tailored HR strategies: Indian airlines should enhance compensation structures, while Qatar Airways could improve scheduling flexibility. Limitations include cross-sectional design and purposive sampling. Future research should employ longitudinal approaches, stratified sampling across diverse roles, and investigate technological transformation impacts on satisfaction. This study advances theoretical understanding of satisfaction dynamics while providing practical insights for enhancing employee retention and service quality in global aviation.